The latest American bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the vast landmass following the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Only a short time after the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, posted a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a large sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television interview, the president refused to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global rivalry in the polar region. "I don't rule it out. I don't say I'm going to do it, but I don't rule out anything... We need Greenland very badly," he remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
